Shotline Diving

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City Of Kingston (1874) C 71176

Explore the history of the City of Kingston, a sidewheel steamer that transitioned from passenger service to a barge in the late 19th century.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: CITY OF KINGSTON
  • Type: Sidewheel Steamer
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Builder: W. Ainslie
  • Dimensions: Length 102 ft (31.1 m); Beam 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 253 tons
  • Location: Kingston, Ontario
  • Official Number: 71176
  • Original Owners: W. B. & S. Anglin, S. Anglin, W. B. Anglin, R. Davis

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The CITY OF KINGSTON was a sidewheel steamer designed for passenger service on the Rideau and St. Lawrence rivers, as well as occasional routes to the Bay of Quinte.

Description

Launched on April 27, 1874, the CITY OF KINGSTON played a significant role in local transportation, connecting communities across eastern Ontario’s waterways. After a brief operational period, it was converted into a barge by 1887.

History

The CITY OF KINGSTON was built in Kingston, Ontario, and initially owned by W. B. & S. Anglin. It changed ownership several times, reflecting the vessel’s operational history. By 1880, it ceased operations as a passenger steamer and was repurposed as a barge.

Significant Incidents

  • 1874: Launched for passenger service.
  • 1880: Ceased operations as a steamer.
  • 1887: Converted into a barge.

Final Disposition

The CITY OF KINGSTON was rebuilt as a barge in 1887, marking the end of its service as a passenger steamer. It is no longer in use as a steamer post-1880.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The vessel is not in active use and has been repurposed, reflecting the common practice of adapting older vessels to new roles in the maritime industry.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”city-of-kingston-1874-c-71176″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The CITY OF KINGSTON exemplifies the evolution of maritime transportation on the Great Lakes, transitioning from a passenger steamer to a barge. Its history is a testament to the adaptive strategies of 19th-century shipping enterprises.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Identification

  • Vessel Name: CITY OF KINGSTON
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Official Number: 71176
  • Construction and Ownership
  • Built at: Kingston, Ontario
  • Builder: W. Ainslie
  • Ownership Chronology:
    • 1874: Owned by W. B. & S. Anglin, Kingston
    • 1877: Owned by S. Anglin, Kingston
    • 1886: Owned by W. B. Anglin, Kingston
    • 1887: Owned by R. Davis, Kingston
  • Power and Dimensions
    • Propulsion: Sidewheel
    • Engine: 14×48, built by G. J. Tranby, Kingston
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 102 feet (31.1 meters)
    • Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
    • Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 253 tons

History

The CITY OF KINGSTON was a sidewheel steamer launched on April 27, 1874, for use in Rideau and St. Lawrence passenger serviceand occasional routes to the Bay of Quinte. The vessel played a prominent role in local transportation in the late 19th century, connecting communities across the waterways of eastern Ontario.

After a brief period of active service, the vessel appears to have ceased operations around 1880. By 1887, the CITY OF KINGSTON was converted into a barge, marking the end of its career as a steamer. This repurposing was a common fate for older vessels, reflecting both the economic realities and the adaptive reuse of maritime assets during the era.

Final Disposition

How: Rebuilt as a barge in 1887, ending its service as a passenger steamer.

Status: No longer in use as a steamer post-1880.

Significance

The CITY OF KINGSTON exemplifies the versatility of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels, transitioning from a passenger steamer to a barge as its utility in passenger service waned. Its brief operational life as a steamer highlights the challenges faced by such vessels in maintaining profitability amid evolving transportation needs.

Contact and Resources

Source: Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Tags Great Lakes History Sidewheel Steamer Rideau Canal Bay of Quinte 19th-Century Maritime Adaptation

Conclusion

The CITY OF KINGSTON represents the evolution of maritime transportation on the Great Lakes. From its early days as a passenger steamer connecting communities to its eventual conversion into a barge, the vessel’s history mirrors the adaptive strategies of 19th-century shipping enterprises. Though its time in active service was short, its legacy remains a notable part of Kingston’s maritime heritage.

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